Pipeline monitoring and control



.Nov. l1, 1958 J. R. PARsoNs 2,859,757

PIPELINE MONITORING AND CONTROL Filed Dec. 14. 1955 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 DIRTY M4 TURAL Tf1/VK IN VEN TOR.

Jlmmf J. R. PARSONS PIPELINE MONITORING AND CONTROL Nov. 11, 195s Filed Dec. 14.1953

5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR. J IRPamom ATTORNEYS J. RQ PARsoNs PIPELINE MONITORING AND CONTROL Nov. 11, 1958 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. 14, 1953 n Il I l LQFQ/l-I Hum INVENTOR. Jawm ATTORNEYS' Nov. 11, 1958 J. R. PARSONS 2,859,757

1 PIPELINE MONITORING AND CONTROL.

Filed Dec. 14, 1953 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVEN TOR. E, JH. Panam :uw y y@ 77:79u and r. RN

Arm/eNEl/S l J. R. PARSONS PIPELINE MONITORING AND CONTROL 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 TIME INVENTOR. BY J. Pafm A 7' TRNE YS Nov. ll, 1958 Filed Dec. 14, 1955 kAasaz/ACE trol.

v2,859,757 Y PiPELINE MoNiroRlNG ANncoNTRoL James R. Parsons, Bartlesville, Okla,`,`assignor to Phillips Petroleum Company, a corporation of Delaware Application December 14, :1953, Serial N o. 398,021

lzl'claims. v(ci. m37-2) This invention-relates to pipeline/monitoring and con- In one of its morespecic aspects4 it relates to a method yfor controlling -the flow of uidsthrough pipelines wherebyfluids of different compositions are directed automatically to preselected Lstorage tanks. In another of its more'-speciiic-aspects,fit relates-to apparatus, comprising a color monitor land a dielectricV properties measuring instrument, which is especially adapted for use in ditferentiating between'bat'ches of petroleum-liquidsfllowing through pipelines. fIn ystillanother of -itsmore speciiic aspects, it relates toa method for monitoringla `pipeline system through `which batches oflnatural gasolineand;

sition ofthe `batchhea'd as Wellvas the .spread of conp tamination in '.productsystems is bymeasurement ofthe gravity with a'hydrometer of samples withdrawn from the line. .Anothergmethod Vfor pipeline monitoningemploysthe -coltu" comparison technique whereby .color changes in-:samples withdrawn from the pipeline arenoted and cut points determined in accordance therewith. In the case o'f, fluids which iarecolorlesstorof thesame rcolor, a plug o'fJcolored fdye :can be inserted 'between 4hatches and-control :established by colorcomparison. f'lihetdetermination' o'f tout points between dtferentabatches Aof petroleum `liquids Vfby the :gravity method .for fthe color comparison `method fdoes .:not provide ,theffsensitivity of control or thewautomatic "cont-rol fdesirableiin pipeline ioperation Another Amethod 'which has' been .advanced ;'-for:pipelne United States Patent control #involves the` 'measurement Iofwthe dielectric fprop- The `followingzobjects-of `the unvention will'fbe attained i by the various `aspects ofrtheeinvention.

vIt Vis an` `objecttof the ypresent inventionftoprovide-:instrumentation vfor pipeline monitoring and rcontrol.

Another ,object .is .toys-provide .annethod for-controlling the .liowfof uids .through .pipelineswherebyzuids -of different compositions .are .automatically directed to preselected -storage tanks. u

A further object is to provide apparatus, comprising a ycolor monitor and a dielectric properties measuring instrument, for detecting changes in Ibatches of petroleum liquid liowing through pipelines.

Still another object is to provide a method for monitoring a pipeline system utilized to transport natural gasoline and crude oil.

Still other objects and advantages and features of the invention will become apparent from the following disclosure.

In accordance with the present invention, a color monitor and an instrument for measuring the dielectric properties of a material are used in conjunction with one another to meet the separation requirements involved when transporting natural gasoline and crude oils through a pipeline. A switching system is provided which automatically directs the natural gasoline into one tank, natural gasoline contaminated with crude oil-into a second tank and crude oil intoa third tank. The color monitor makes the fine distinction between clear natural gasoline (Saybolt 30) and ofi-color natural gasoline (below'Saybolt 20) and provides for the necessary transfer from the :clean tank to the dirty natural gasoline tankor vice versa.

The dielectric properties measuring instrument makes a less' critical distinction between crude `and 4dirty natural gasoline and provides automatic transfer from lthe dirty naturall vgasoline to -the crude tank or vice versa. The dielectric properties measuring instrument also operates to protect the color monitor optical system during crude runs by closing appropriate valves which prevent crude from flowing through the color monitor sample cell. i

A more complete understanding of theinvention ymay "be obtained by reference tothe-following description and the drawing, in which:

Figure l is a schematic wiring yand piping diagram of lappartus embodying the invention;

` lFigure 2 `is a view partially in section of a probe element suitable for use in making dielectric measurements;

Figure 3 is a schematic circuit diagram of the dielectric `propertiesmeasuring ydevice of this invention;

Figure 4.is a view, partial-ly in'section, of a color lmonitor suitable for luse in practicing this invention;

Figure 5 is a schematic circuit ldiagram of the color monitor .of Figure 4; and

`Figure 6 is a graph showing the relation of the dielectricproperties measurements during a period of operation.

'Referring now to the drawing and particularly to yFig- .ure l, a pipeline 10 is shown as leading to three storage tanks, namely, a clear natural gas tank-11, a dirty natural gas tank .12 and a crude oil tank 13. Lines l14,16-and Y17 4connect line 10 to tanks 11, 12 and 13, respectively, and each of the connecting lines contains -a 4tiow-control means :such as a motor valve designated by reference numerals 18, 19 and 21. The motor valves as lshown-are spring'operated, being in a closed .position .at all times except when their respective lield `coils l18', 19 4and E21 are energized. Line 14 is additionally .provided l.with a valve 22 -around which line 23 `is connected. Line 23 containsa :filtering means 24,*such as a lilter screen, and two valves26 and 2,7 disposed on either side of -the filter. During normal operation, uidenteringatank 1:1fis passed through fiilter 24, but when cleaning of ,thelter -becomes necessary, fluid is introduced into tank -11 direotly through line `:14 iby opening valve 22 `and closing :valves 26 and 27.

`Dielectric properties measuringrinstrument 3,1 is associatedlwith ,pipeline l10 and vcomprises a probe element inserted into the pipeline in order to measuregthe dielectric-:properties of fluids tlowing therethrough. ,A more detailed adescription of this instrument is setout hereinafter in conjunction with the discussion of-,Figures y2 and 3. Line :32 `connected toppipelineltl leads tothe valves 38 and 39 positioned on either side of the filter. j

By-pass line 41 containing valve 42 provides means for passing fluid to the color monitor during periods when filter 37 is being cleaned. Pipeline 10 between lines 32 and 34 contains a ilow control means such as valve 43,

thereby providing means for restricting ow through pipef line and assuring passage of fluid through the sample cell of the color monitor.

The output of dielectric properties measuring instrument 31 is fed to recorder 46 through electrical leads 47. Limit switches 49 and 51 are associated with recorder 46 and are opened and closed in accordance with predetermined values of the dielectric properties measurements. The limit switches are single-pole, single-throw switches and can advantageously be mercury switches which are moved by a cam mechanism which in turn is operatively connected to the recording arm of recorder 46.

The output of color monitor 33 is fed through electrical leads 55 to color monitor control device 52 which includes a single-pole, double-throw switch 53. Switch 53, which can be a micro switch, is moved to either one of two positions in accordance with predetermined values Aof voltage fed into control device 52 in a manner to be described more in detail hereinafter in conjunction With Figure 5.

The solenoids of valves 35 and 36 are designated by reference numerals 3S' and 36' while the coils of motor valves 18, 19 and 21 are indicated by reference numerals 18', 19 and 21, respectively. Coils 35 and 36 are connected to alternating current lines 60 and 60A through switch 49. Coils 18', 19 and 21' of the motor valves are connected to the same source of alternating current through mercury relay switches 61, 62, 63 and 64, which are in turn operated in accordance with the positioning of switches 51 and 53, the coils of the relay switches being connected to the source of alternating current through switches 51 and 53. Signal lights can be connected to the leads supplying current to the coils of the ymotor valves in order to give a ready indication as to which valve is open and which tank is being used.

While valves 18, 19 and 21 and valves 35 and 36 have been described as being motor Valves and solenoid valves, it is not intended to limit the invention to any particular type of ow control means. Accordingly, it is Within the scope of the -invention to utilize solenoid valves in place of the motor valves, or pneumatic operated diaphragm valves can be used to replace both the motor and solenoid valves.

Referring to Figure 2, there is illustrated a probe element 71 which is suitable for use with dielectric properties measuring instrument 31 of Figure 1. Probe 71 is inserted through an opening 72 in pipeline 10 and comprises a pair of spaced metallic plates 73 and 74 which are attached to a housing plug 76 by screws 77 and 78. A third metallic plate 79 is interposed between plates 73 and 74, screws 31 serving to hold the three plates in spaced relation with one ano-ther. These screws pass through insulating plugs 82 which retain plate 79 electrically insulated from plates 73 and 74. An insulator 83 is mounted in plug 76 while an electrical lead 84v passes through insulator 83 to engage plate 79. An elongated cylindrical housing member 86 is attached at one end to plug 76, and a bushing 87 is interposed' therebetween.

The capacitance probe unit is conveniently inserted in pipeline 10 through a suitable valve assembly. A nipple 88 is welded to pipeline 10 so as to enclose opening'72.

Nipple S8 is formed with a flanged end 89 to which a' gate valve 91 having a rst annular plate 92 attached thereto is secured by bolts 93. A gasket 94 is interposed between nipple 88 and valve 91. A second annular plate 96 is attached to the second opening of valve 91, this second plate 96 in turn being secured to a flanged nipple 97 by a plurality of bolts 98. A gasket 99 is interposed between nipple 97 and plate 96. An annular packing gland assembly 101 which is welded to the second end of nipple 97 houses an O-ring 102 which engages housing member 86. A quantity of packing material 103 is also contained in assembly 101. A packing retaining plate 104 is attached to the end of packing gland 101 by a plurality of screws 106. By this arrangement the probe element can readily be inserted in pipeline 10 by opening gate valve 91 and when so positioned, packing gland assembly 101 prevents leakage.

Capacitor plates 73, 74 and 79 can be'streamlined in order to reduce turbulence in the owing fluid, thereby' enabling a more accurate reading of the dielectric properties of the fluid to be obtained. Plates 73 and 74 areelectrically connected to one another through housing. plug 76 which is maintained at ground potential. lnthis manner the outer plates form one capacitor element with respect to the inner plate and shield the inner plate from the effects of metallic pipeline 10. This latter Vfeature also enables a more accurate measurement of the dielectric properties of the fluid to be made.

Referring to Figure V3, there is illustrated an electrical :circuit adapted to measure the capacitance of the condenser elements of probe 71 formed by outer plates 73 and 74 and inner plate 79 as shown in Figure 2. This circuit is energized by a source of alternating current 111 which is connected by switch 112 across the primary winding 113 of a transformer 114. The end terminals of a rst secondary winding 116 on transformer 114 are connected to the respective anodes of a double diode 117, the center tap of transformer winding 116 being grounded. The two cathodes of double diode 117 are connected to one another and to one terminal of an inductor 118. The second terminal of inductor 118 is connected to one terminal of a resistor 119, and is grounded through a capacitor 121. A voltage regulator tube 122 has the anode thereof connected to the second terminal of resistor 119 and the cathode thereof connected to ground. The anode of tube 122 is connected through a milliammeter 123 and a resistor 124 to one terminal of the primary winding 126 of a transformer 127. The second end terminal of transformer winding 126 is connected to the anodes of a double vacuum tube triode 128. A capacitor 129 is connected in shunt with transformer winding 126. The cathodes of double triode 128 are connected to one another and to ground through cathode resistor 131 which is shunted by capacitor 132. The control grids of double triode 128 are connected to one another and to one terminal of a crystal 133, the second terminal of crystal 133 being connected to ground. An inductor 134 and a resistor 136 are connected in series relation with one another, the unit of inductor 134 and resistor 136 being connected in shunt with crystal 133. Heater current for double triode 128 is provided by second secondary winding 137 on transformer 114, transformer winding 137 being connected across ythe common cathode heater of double triode 128.' A 'capacitor 138 is connected between ground and the junction between milliammeter 123 and resistor 124. A capacitor k139 is connected between ground and the junction between resistor 124 and transformer winding 126. l

One terminal vof the secondary winding 141 of transformer 127 is connected to the iirst terminal of a resistor 142 and the second end terminal of transformer winding 141 is grounded. A resistor 143 is connected in shunt with transformer winding 141. The second terminal of resistor 142 is connected to a relay operated switch arm 144. In the absence of current being supplied to the relay coil 146 associated with switch arm 144, switch arm' -fitnormauy engages rainsi lcontact-147 which is connectedby va lead 148 ytooneof the electrodes of probe71. One terminal of relay coil 146 is grounded and the sec'ond 'terminal thereof is connected through a switch 151 and a resistor 152 to the .junctionfbetween resistor 119 and inductor 118. Closure 'of `switch `151 thus results in curlrent being supplied to relay 'coil 146 which Ycauses switch arm 144 to `engage 'a lseco'nd contact 153 uWhichis 'con'- nected to the iirst terminal of va condenser. 154, the second terminal 'of condenser 1-54 being grounded. The iirst terminal of resistor 142` is connected to the anode of a diode 156, and the cathodeof rdiodei'156 is connected to ground through a capacitor'157. The second terminal of resistor 142 is connected to theano'de o'f'diode 4158 `and the cathode of diode 158 is connected to ground through a capacitor 159 which fis shunted by resistor 161. The junction between diode 156 and capacitor 157 is connected to a 'switch arm 1'62. 'In :its first position, switch arm '162 engages 'fac'onta'ct- 163 which. is connected to one end `terminal `of l'a potentiometer 164. AI'n its second position, switch arm 162 engagesra contact-166 Vwhich is connected to one end terminal of a potentiometer 167, 'the second end terminals lof potentiometers -164 and 167 being grounded. The contacto'r of potentiometer 164 is connected to a switch contact 168, and the contactor 4of potentiometer 1467 is connected to VAa'switch contact 169. A switch arm 171 engagescontact 168 in its irst 'position and engages contact "169 in its second position. "Switch arm 171 is connected lto one end terminal of a. potentiometer 172, the contacter of which is connected -to 'one input terminal of r a lrecorder 46. The second input terminal of recorder 46 is connected to the second vend terminal of .potentiometer 172 and to the cathode "of diode'1158. Switch arme1`51 and switch arms I6-2 and '171-are mechanically coupled so that when switch 151 'is open, switch arm 162 engages Acontact 163'tan'd switch Varm 171 engages contact -168. Lead'148 preferably is 'contained within a shielded cable if probe 71 is positioned remotely from `the remainder of the detecting circuit. Recorder 46 is operatively connected to cams -11-473 and i174 which are constructed to operate switches 49 and 51 in accordance with predetermined values'of capacitance ofprobe element-771.

In the voperation of the circuit illustrated in Figure 3,

dio-de v117 serves as a full wave rectifier. Inductor 118, resistor 119, and capacitor 121 filter the output of diode rectifier 117, and voltageregulating tube '122 maintains a constant positive supply potential Afor the anode Vof triode 128. This positive potential is applied to the anodes of double triode 12S. Double triode 128 and the circuit elements associated therewith function as an oscillator, the frequency of which is controlled by crystal 133. Millameter 123 facilitates tuning of the oscillator because `a minimum current ows therethrough when the oscillator is tuned to its resonant frequency which preferably is in the radio frequency range.k The output'of this oscillator is applied through transformer 127, which can be slug tuned, to the bridge circuit which has probe 71 connected therein. The end terminals of transformer winding 141 thereby form output terminals of a source of electrical oscillation.

From an inspection of the circuit illustrated in Figure 3, it can be seen that the voltage across transformer winding 141 is applied across series connected resistor A142 and capacitor 71 which form two arms of the bridge circuit. The other two arms of the bridge circuit comprise the impedance elements formed by the two sections of potentiometer 164 on opposite side ofthe contacter thereof. Recorder 46 effectively measures the potential difference between the junction of resistor 142 and probe 71 as one point and the contacter `of potentiometer 164 as the other point. The purpose of rectiiiers 156 and 158 is to convert this bridge unbalance from alternating to direct current tofacilitat'e' measurement `on Vdirect lpotential 'recorder 46. Potentiometer 137/2 serves to adjust the sen- Vsitivityof recorder 46. In operation, the bridge circuit can `be balanced initially-by adjustment of the contactor of potentiometer 164, and anysubsequent deviation from this balance is recorded to provide -a measurement of the deviation of the capacitance of probe element 71 from the original value. The electrical -circuit can be checked and standardized periodically, if desired, by closure of switch 151. This results in` probe 71 Vbeing `disconnected from the circuit and a standard condenser 154 being connected in place thereof. Closure of yswitch 151falso results in .potentiometer 164 being disconnected and a standard -potentiometer 167 being connected in place thereof. If the circuit is 4operating properly, recorder-46 'indicates the `fixed value with switch 151.closed. Any deviation from the fixed value indicates that the circuit has changed in some manner and requiresreadjustment-of potentiometer .164.

Referring to Figure -4, the color rmonitor 33 includes a pair of elongated, parallel, `spaced metal tubes 181 and `182 mounted lon andsecured to plate 183. To this end, tubes 181 and :1.82 :are weldedto -a pair of base members .-184 and -186 whichein -turn are suitably secured, as by bolts 187, -to 'plate 183. It is ltobe noted that tubes 181 andv182 iit into recessed portions 188 and 180 of the respcctive `base members 184 and=186. Plate 183 and base members 184 yand 186 have aligned openings formed therein -of the same size and in axial alignment with the interior openings -of tubes 181 and 182. Base members 191 andA 192 secured to the opposite ends of tubes 181 and 182 as by welding also have openings in alignment with the openings lin basemembers 184 and 186 andpiate Each of the base members 186 and 192 isprovided with a Washer 193 secured to the end'thereof 4remote from tube -182 `by bolts 194. Each-washer` 193 lits also against one surface of a transparent window or disk 196, the .other end of 'which bears `against -an annular sealing gasket 197 fitted in a suitable recess formed in base members `186 and 192. `This structure provides a gastight seal ateach end of tube 182 while the transparency of the disk or window 196 4permits the passage of radiation therethrough.

Communicating with the interior of tube 182 is a sarnple inlet 198 and a sample outlet 199 so that the material to be analyzed can be readily inserted into and removed from tube 182.

The optical system associated with tubes 181 and 182 include a pair of radiation detectors 201 and 202. These detectors are preferably photoelectric cells arranged for mounting upon base members 191 and 192, as by bolts, one of which is indicated by reference numeral 203, so as to overlie and cover the tube openings.

Mounted in the housing-204 is a radiation source 206, preferably `an incandescent bulb or other sour-ce of visible radiation, in alignment with the axis to tube 182. Accordingly, source 206 producesa beam of radiation which passes directly through tube 182 and impinges upon photoelectric cell 202. A lens 207 is secured within a suitable recess in plate -183 by a sleeve 208, and a filter disk 209 abuts sleeve 208, the assembly of lens 207', sleeve 208 and filter 209 being held in assembled position by an end cap 211 secured to plate 183 by bolts, one of which is indicated at 212. A rotatable trimmer 213 positioned within the path of the aforementioned beam includes a movable plate 214 which can be swung into and out of the path of the beam so as to vary its intensity. Lens 207 is provided in order to focus the beam of radiation upon photoelectric cell 202, and filter 209 is preferably made of blue glass. By providing a iilter of blue glass, the instrument is given a higher degree of sensitivity.

Also mounted in housing 204 is a prism 216, one end ofjwhich abutsl'an assembly 217 supporting a `lens 218 and a lter 219"having similar optical characteristics to filter 209. It will be evident that a second beam of light passes from source 206 through filter 219 and lens 218 to prism 216 whence it is reflected and passes axially along tube 181 to photoelectric cell 201.

As illustrated in Figure 5, photoelectric cells 201 and 202 are connected in a bridge circuit with balancing impedances 221, 222 and 223, impedance 222 having a potentiometer 224 connected in parallel therewith. The voltage appearing across two opposite corners of the bridge is fed to the input circuit of an amplifier 226 by leads 227 and 228. If the photo cells are of the seltgenerating type, as shown, it is unnecessary to provide a current source in the bridge circuit. If the photo cells are not of the self-generating type, then Operating potential is supplied to them in any suitable manner. Color monitor control device 52 comprises balancing motor 231, cam 237, and switch 53. The output of amplifier 226 is fed by leads 229 and 230 to one winding of balancing motor 231, the second winding of which is connected to alternating current lines 232 and 233 by leads 234 and 236. The rotor of motor 231 is mechanically connected to the contactor of potentiometer 224 and to cam 237. The connection of motor 231 to the bridge potentiometer is such that the bridge is driven to a balanced position by operation of the motor. Accordingly, the shaft position of motor 231, the position of the potentiometer contactor, and the position of cam 237 all indicate the differential Voltage generated by the photoelectric cells. Cam 237 operates to position switch 53 of Figure l in accordance with predetermined values of the dierential voltage.

111 explaining the operation of the monitoring and control system of Figure l, it is assumed that pipeline 10 is originally transporting clear natural gasoline. During this phase of operation, switches 49, 51 and 53 are in the positions indicated in Figure 1. Relay switch 62 is normally closed while relay switches 61, 63 and 64 are normally open. Current passes through switch 49 to solenoids 35 and 36', thereby energizing them so as to maintain solenoid valves 35 and 36 in an open position. Current also passes through switch 51, energizing the solenoids of relay switches 61 and 62, Since relay switch 62 is normally closed, the energizing of the solenoid of this switch results in the switch being open so that no current is supplied to motor valve coil 21. Motor valve 21, is, therefore, in a closed position so that fluid cannot enter crude tank 13. The supply of current to the solenoid of relay switch 61 results in that switch, which is normally open, being closed so that current can pass therethrough to switch 53. With switch 53 in the position as shown, current is being supplied to the solenoid of relay switch 63, but not to the solenoid of relay switch 64. Relay switches 63 and 64 `being normally open, switch 63 is thereby closed, and current passes only to coil 18 of motor valve 18 while coil 19 of motor valve 19 remains unenergized. Accordingly, motor valve 19 is in a closed position while motor valve 1S is open so as to permit clear natural gasoline to enter tank 11 through lines 14 and 23.

When clear natural gasoline is being transported in pipeline 10, as explained above, dielectric properties measuring instrument 31 operates to maintain switches 49 and 51 in the positions indicated in Figure l. At the same time, color monitor 33 operates to maintain switch 53 in the position as shown in Figure l. As illustrated in Figure 3, recorder 46 is operatively connected to a pair of cams 173 and 174 which are moved in accordance with the dielectric properties measurement recorded thereon. Cam 173 is constructed so as to open or close switch 49 while cam 174 is constructed to open or close switch 51, both in accordance with predetermined values of the dielectric properties of the petroleum fluid in pipeline 10. As illustrated in Figure 5, cam 237, which is operatively connected to balancing motor 231, serves -to maintain switch 53 in the proper position in accordance with a predetermined value of voltage differential indicated by the detectors.

As previously explained, solenoid valves 35 and 36 of Figure l are open thereby permitting clear natural gasoline to pass to the color monitor through line 32 and to be withdrawn therefrom from line 34. Referring to Figures 4 and 5, the fluid enters tube 182 through inlet 198 and is withdrawn therefrom through outlet 199. As the composition of the petroleum stream changes, i. e., becomes contaminated lwith crude oil, changes in the radiation absorption of the fluid in tube 132 produce an effect upon detector 202 but not upon detector 201. Accordingly, the differential output of detectors 202 and 201 is respresentative of the concentration of crude oil in the natural gasoline stream. Because of the provision of tube 181, changes inintensity resulting from variations in the source voltage affect both detectors and, therefore, minimize the effect on the differential reading. Depending upon the degree of crude oil contamination which can be tolerated, when the difference in light intensity has reached a predetermined value, cam 237 operates to throw switch 53 to the opposite position from that shown in Figure l. It is assumed now, by way of illustration, that a batch of mixed petroleum liquid containing natural gasoline and some crude oil begins to flow through pipeline 10. The presence of the crude oil in the natural gasoline is immediately determined by the color monitor and when the concentration of crude has reached a predetermined value, as explained above, switch 53 is moved to its opposite position from that shown in Figure l. Referring again to Figure 1, it is apparent that current now flows through the solenoid of relay switch 64, closing that switch and thereby allowing current to flow to coil 19I of motor valve 19. At the same time, relay kswitch 63 is opened because of the termination of current supply to its solenoid, and concomitantly the supply of current to coil 18' of motor valve 18 is cut off. Accordingly, motor valve 18 is closed while motor valve 19 is opened, thus permitting natural gasoline contaminated with crude oil to enter dirty natural gasoline tank 12 through line 16.

Referring to Figures 2 and 3 as well as to Figure l, it is to be understood that the petroleum liquid transported in pipeline 10 is at all times passing through and around probe element 71 of the dielectric properties measuring instrument. It should be apparent that recorder 46 is continuously recording the impedance measurements of the condenser formed by plates 73 and 74 and plate 79 of probe 71 which provides a measurement of the dielectric properties of the petroleum fluid between the plates. It has been found that used alone the dielectric properties measuring instrument is not sutliciently sensitive to detect crude oil in the natural gasoline before the natural gasoline has become contaminated beyond allowable limits. Accordingly, the color monitor is used, as discussed above, in order to obtain the required sensitivity and to detect initially the presence of crude oil. As more crude oil becomes present in the petroleum stream, however, the dielectric properties measuring instrument operates to open switch 49 thereby cutting off the supply of current to the solenoids of solenoid valves 35 and 36 and allowing these valves to close. The closure of valves 35 and 36' terminates the supply of petroleum fluid to color monitor 33, thus preventing dirty material from clouding the optical system of the color monitor. Switch 49 is moved to an open position through the operation of cam 173 which is operatively connected to recorder 46 and so constructed as to open switch 49 when the dielectric properties measurement is of a predetermined value.

The petroleum fluid is allowed to flow into dirty natural gasoline tank 12 until the dielectric properties of that fluid reaches a predetermined value. At that point, cam 174, which is operatively connected to recorder 46, operdiluted with crude oil.

A better understa diri'gof` the above-ekplained cycle ofA operation can be obtained by reter'r'ing'to h'thFigire -1 and Figure 6 which are representations of-the curve which 'might appearon the-'recorder chart of recorder 46. Initi- 'ally,'p`ure natural gasoline' is passingy through pipeline-10 "andlinto 'clear' natural gasoline tank I1.1 through lines V14 "and y23, motor `valve `18 being open. When thenatural lg't'isoline stream becomes contaminated with-crudeil, tlecfolor monitor-so indicates 'with-the result that m'tor "vali/e118 isfclosed and rnot'or'valve 1'9 i pene'd n order v'tc per'rrii't the natural gasoline'eetami to enter tank 12. vThis aspect 'of the operation occurs somewhere between points A and B on the curve, vde- 'fpending upon the predetermined value of concentration of crude oil inthe natural l'gasoline stream as indicated by `the 'dielectric properties measurement. When lthe dielectric properties "measurement reach point B, designated as 'the upper limit, 'the dielectric properties measuring instrurnent operates to op'en 4s vitch 49, thereby terminating the is'u'ppl'ylo'f 'current to solenoi'ds 3'5 "and V36 of solenoid valves 3s and 36, respectively. At this fpcint, therefore, it is apparent that the supply of'pet'roleurn Huid to color -rrronit'or 33 is terminated. Between points Band C, designated -asthe'low'er limit, 'the' petroleum ilud'continues t`o` enter 'dirty natural gasoline tank 1'2. `At point tC, :the dielectric properties measuring instrument operates to open switch Si which results in motor valve `1`9 'being closed and motor valve 2i being opened. The petroleum liquid Vnow"comprising crude oil passes-through line l1'7 into crude tank 13. y l

lt will be apparent that by utilizing a dielectric properties measuringinstrument and a color monitor i'n 'a :pipeline monitoring and control system, I have provided an efrective method for detecting different petroleumYV lluids owing in a pipeline. It will be further apparent that b'y using the dielectric properties measuring instrument and the color monitor in conjunction with one another, I have provided a system lwhich readily detects'the difference between 'pure natural 'gasoline 'and natur-al gasoline Furthermore, l have provided a Asystem which automatically directs the fluids 'of different compositions to different storage tanks 'for storagefpurvposes without allowing the products 'to become containinated except within allowable or desired limits. While t'the invention has `been explained with `reference to the sequence Lof change yfrom natural gasoline to crudeoil, it is to be understood that the described mode of 'opera- 'ti'o'n is merely reversed when the sequence of operation 1involves 'a change from crude oil`to natural gasoline. Furthermore, while the pipeline monitoring system 'of *this invention has been described and discussed with relation -to a pipeline `transporting crude oil and natural gasoline 'and utilizing 'three storage tanks, it 'is `not intended to Asoliinit the invention. Accordingly, the system can be Aused to Vdetect batch changes in other petroleum "liquids being"transpo`rted through a pipeline and'to direct'the separate vbatches to a plurality of storage tanks.

As vwill be evident to-thoseskilled `in the art, various modincations ofthis Ainvention can-'be made without Fdeparting from the spirit 'or `scope of the disclosure. "Iclai'rn:

41. A pipeline monitoring and ycontrol system Ilwhich Et-:or'nprises, in'cornbination, a Ipipeline having rcc'innecting ."I lines -Iejdiigt a series cf storage tanks;`new control means"i'n'e'achof saidl connecting lines; means associated With"sid`pipeline`fordetecting changes in the color'of agiidilowin'g' therethrough; means associated withv said pipeline yfor measuring the dielectric properties of Va-iiui'd ilowing therethrough; and means for regulating said new control means in accordance with detected-changes 'in co1'- for of said-ilid and'lifn accordance with dielectric 'proper- "ties measurement offs'aid fluid.

A pipeline monitoring andceritrcl systemwhi'c-h comprises, in combination, a pipeline; -a series of storage tanks communicating vwith said pipeline; celcr detection 4means communicating with said pipeline; means associated "withfsai'd pipeline vfor 'measuring the dielectric prop- "erties "offa `lfiq`uid wing therethrough; and switching means for connecting and disconnecting said storage tanks in accordancewithfa predetermined response'of said color *'detectionmeans land in accordance with a predetermined dielectriclfp'roperties measurement. t 1 3. A'pipeline'monitori'ng yand control system which comprises, in combination, a pipeline, a series 'of storage vtanks communicating with *said pipeline, color detection means communicating with said pipeline; means associ- -atedwith 'said pipeline lfor measuring the dielectric properties 'of a liquid ilowing therethrough.; switching means for connect-ing :at least one-of said storage tanks to said pipeline and'iordisconnecting at least 'one other of said storage -tank's'fromsaid pipeline in 'accordance with a predetermined yresponse `ot'saic'l color detection means; -and'switehingfrneans'ifor connecting at least `one of `said storage tanks tosaidfpipeline `and for` disconnecting at leas'tfone other of said-storage tanks from said pipeline in` accordance with a :predetermined 'dielectric Yproperties measurement.

`4'. A pipeline monitoring and control system Awhich c'omprise's, in ycorn'bination,-a pipeline; a series of storage tanks, conduit means connecting each lof said storage `tanks 'with said pipeline; valve means in `each of said conduit means; 'color detection means communicating with said pipeline; means associated 'with said pipeline for 'measuring the dielectric properties "of fa liq'uidfowing therethrough; switching means for opening-at least one of said valve means and =for closing at least one other yof said valvemeans in accordance with a predetermined response of said color :detection means; and switching means for 'opening `at least one of said valve means and for closing at lleast one other of said valve means in ccordance witha predetermined dielectric properties measurement.

5. A pipeline monitoring and control system which comprises, Iin combination, a pipeline; a series of three :storage tanks; conduit means connecting each of said stor- :age tanks with said pipeline; rst, second and third valve meansfone of said valve means being in each of said conduit means; color detection means communicating withl said pipeline; 'means associated 'with said pipeline for measuring the dielectric properties of a liquid owin'g therethrough; 'switchingmeans for opening and closing lsaid first Aandsecond valve means in accordancewit'h a predetermined response of said color detection means; Aand switchin'g meansfor opening and closing said seclond'fandthird'valve' means in accordance with a vpredetermineddielectricfproperties measurement.

6. A pipeline monitoring and control "system which comprises, in combination, a pipeline; a'series of three storage rtn'ks; conduit means connecting each of said storage tanks-with said pipeline; rst, 'second and third valve means,- one of said 'valve means being inl each of said conduit means; color detection means; conduit -means Vcommunieatingsaid color detection' means with -said pipelineyfou'rth valve means in said last-mentioned cndUitfmeans; means associated with said pipeline for measuring rthe dielectric properties of a nuid flowing therethrough; first switching means for openin'g andclos- Ling'said 1nr'stand second valve means in accordance with a predetermined response of saidcolor detection means; second switching means for opening and closing said fourth valve means in accordance with a predetermined dielectric properties measurement; and third switching means for opening and closing said second and third Valve means in accordance with a predetermined dielectric properties measurement.

7. A pipeline monitoring and control system` which comprises, in combination, a pipeline having connecting lines leading to a series of three storage tanks; asource of alternating current; first, second, and third motor valves, each having a coil connected across said source of alternating current and one of said valves being in each of said connecting lines; color detection means; a first conduit means for passing fluid from said pipeline to said color detection means; a second conduit means for passing fluid from said color detection mean's to said pipeline; a solenoid valve in each of said first and second conduit means, each having a solenoid connected across said source of alternating current; means associated with said pipeline for measuring the dielectric properties of a fluid flowing therethrough; first switching means for controlling current flow tothe coils of said first and second motor valves in accordance with a predetermined response of said color detection means; second switching means for controlling current flow to the solenoids of said solenoid valves in accordance with a predetermined dielectric properties measurement; and third switching means for controlling current flow to the coils of said second and third motor valves in accorda-nce with a predetert mined dielectric properties measurement.

8. A pipeline monitoring and control system which comprises, in combination, a pipeline; a series of three storage tanks; conduit means connecting each of said storage tanks with said pipeline; first, second and third motor valves, one of said valves being in each of said conduit means; color detection means; conduit means communicating said color detection means with said pipeline, a solenoid valve in said last-mentioned conduit means; means associated with said pipeline for measuring the dielectric properties of a fiuid fiowing therethrough; a source of alternating current; first switching means connecting the coils of said first and second motor valves to said source of alternating current; means for actuating said first switching mea-ns in accordance with a predetermined response of said color detection means; second switching means connecting the solenoid of said solenoid valve to said source of alternating current; means for actuating said second switching means in accordance with a predetermined dielectric properties measurement; third switching means connecting the coils of said second and third motor valves to said source of alternating current; and means for actuating said'third switching means in accordance with a predetermined dielectric properties measurement.

9. A pipeline monitoring and control system which comprises, in combination, a pipeline; a series` of three storage tanks; conduit means connecting each of said storage tanks with said pipeline; first, second and third motor valves, one of said valves being in each of said conduit means; color detection means; conduit means communicating said color detection means with said pipeline; a solenoid valve in said last-mentioned conduit means; means associated with said pipeline for measuring the dielectric properties of a fluid flowing therethrough; a -source of alternating current having a first and second terminal; first switching means connecting said first terminal to one end of the solenoid of said solenoid valve; means connecting said second terminal to the other end of said solenoid; second switching means connecting said first terminal to one end of the co-ils of said first and second motor valves; means connecting the other end of said lastmentioned coils to said second terminal; second switching means connecting said first terminal to one end of the coils of said second and third motor valves;means connecting the otherend of the coil of said third motor valve to said second terminal; means for actuating said first switching means in accordance with a predetermined ,dielectric properties measurement; means for actuating said second switching means in accordance with a predetermined dielectricproperties measurement; and means for actuating said third switching means in accordance with a predetermined response of said color detection means. A

10. A pipeline monitoring and control system which comprises, in combination, a pipeline; a series of three storage tanks; conduit means connecting each of said 'storage tanks with said pipeline; rst, second and third motor valves, one of said-valves being in each of said conduit means; color detection means; conduit means communicating said color detection means with said pipeline; a solenoid valve in said last-mentioned conduit means; means associated with said pipeline for measuring the dielectric properties of a fluid fiowing therethrough; a source of alternating current having a first and al second terminal; first switching means connecting said first terminal to one end of the solenoid of said solenoid valve; means connecting said second terminal to the other end of the solenoid of said solenoid valve; means connecting said first terminal to one contact of a normally-closed relay switch; means connecting the other contact of said normally-closed relay switch to one end of the coil of said first motor valve; means connecting said second terminal to the other end of the coil of said first motor valve; means connecting said first terminal to one contact of a first normally-open relay switch; second switching means connecting said first terminal to one end of the coils of said normally-closed relay switch and said first normally-open relay switch; means connecting said second terminal to the other end of said last-mentioned coils; means connecting said first terminal to one contact of a second normally-open relay switch; means connecting said first terminal to one contact of a third normally-open relay switch; third switching means connecting the other contact of said first normally-open relay switch to the coils of said second and third normallyopen relay switches; means connecting said second terminal to said last-mentioned coils; means connecting the other contact of said second relay switch to one end of the coil of said second motor valve; means connecting the other contact of said third normally-open relay switch to one end of the coil of said third motor valve; means connecting said second terminal to the other ends of the coils of said second and third motor valves; means for actuating said first switching means in accordance with a predetermined dielectric properties measurement; means for actuating said second switching means in accordance with a predetermined dielectric properties measurement; and means for actuating said third switching means in accordance with a predetermined response of said color detection means.

1l. A pipeline monitoring and control system which comprises, in combination a pipeline; a series of three storage tanks; conduit means connecting each of said storage tanks with said pipeline; first, second and third valve means, one of said valve means being in each of said conduit means; a color monitor comprising a sample cell and a standard cell, said sample cell having an outlet and an inlet, a line containing a solenoid valve connecting said inlet to said pipeline, a source of visible light, a pair of photoelectric cells, means for passing beams of light from said source through said sample cell and said standard cell to said photoelectric cells, a pair of balancing impedances, means connecting said balancing impedances in a bridge circuit with said photoelectric cells, amplifying means, means connecting two opposite corners of said bridge circuit to the input circuit of said amplifying means, and means connecting the output circuit of said amplifying means to a balancing motor having field windings connected to a source of alternating current, said 13 motor being adapted to balance said bridge; a dielectric properties measuring instrument comprising a pair of spaced electrodes positioned Within said pipeline, a source of electrical oscillations, a first impedance element connected in series relation with the condenser formed by said spaced electrodes, means for applying said source of oscillations across said series connected iirst impedance element and said condenser, second and third impedance elements connected in series relation, means for applying said source of oscillations across said series connected ysecond and third impedance elements, direct current indicating means, and current rectifying means connecting said direct current indicating means between the junction between said first impedance element and said condenser and the junction of said second and third impedance elements; rst switching means connecting the coils of said rst and second motor valves to said source of alternating current; means operatively connected to said balancing motor for actuating said first switching means; second switching means connecting the solenoid 20 of said solenoid valve to said source of alternating current; means operatively connected to said direct current indicating means for actuating said second switching means; third switching means connecting the coils of said second and third motor valves to said source of alternating current; and means operatively connected to said direct current indicating means for actuating said third switching means.

12. In a method of pipeline monitoring and control wherein petroleum liquids of diferent composition are passed to preselected storage chambers, the improvement which comprises flowing a petroleum liquid into a irst storage chamber; measuring the dielectric properties of said owing liquid; detecting any change in the color of said flowing liquid; diverting the flow of said liquid from said rst storage chamber to a second storage chamber in accordance with a predetermined color change; and diverting the ow of said liquid from said second storage chamber to a third storage chamber when said dielectric properties measurement reaches a predetermined value.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,145,509 Pike et all. July 6, 1915 2,066,934 Gulliksen Ian. 5, 1937 2,605,780 Nance Aug. 5, 1952 

12. IN A METHOD OF PIPELINE MONITORING AND CONTROL WHEREIN PETROLEUM LIQUIDS OF DIFFERENT COMPOSITION ARE PASSED TO PRESELECTED STORAGE CHAMBERS, THE IMPROVEMENT WHICH COMPRISES FLOWING A PETROLEUM LIQUID INTO A FIRST STORAGE CHAMBER, MEASURING THE DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES OF SAID FLOWING LIQUID, DETECTING ANY CHANGE IN THE COLOR OF SAID FLOWING LIQUID, DIVERTING THE FLOW OF SAID LIQUID FROM SAID FIRST STORAGE CHAMBER TO A SECOND STORAGE CHAMBER IN ACCORDANCE WITH A PREDETERMINED COLOR CHANGE, AND DIVERTING THE FLOW OF SAID LIQUID FROM SAID SECOND STORAGE CHAMBER TO A THIRD STORAGE CHAMBER WHEN SAID DIELECTRIC PROPERTIES MEASUREMENT REACHES A PREDETERMINED VALUE. 